Page 345 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

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INTRODUCTION TO CASE STUDIES

This part provides an in-depth analysis of the relevant solid waste generation char-
acteristics and minimization tools for 21 industries and business sectors. The data
were provided from the environmental model and survey discussed in Part 3. In
addition to the data provided, a case study for each sector is also provided. Rather
than focusing only on large samples and following a rigid protocol to examine a limited
number of variables, the case study method presented in this chapter involves an in-
depth, longitudinal examination of single instances. They provide a systematic way
of looking at the specific waste generating industries, collecting data, analyzing
information, and reporting the results. This will aid the readers in gaining a sharp-
ened understanding of why the instance happened as it did, and what might become
important to examine more extensively in terms of waste reduction goals in real-life
instances.
The case studies research multiple waste minimization examples in a broad cross
section of industries. When selecting the case studies, information-oriented sampling,
as opposed to random sampling was utilized. This was done because the typical or
average case is often not the richest in information. Also, extreme or atypical cases
were not included in this analysis. The industries examined in the case studies were
determined based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and
the U.S. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. The NAICS replaced the SIC
system and allows for a standardized categorization of businesses and provides an
industry breakdown to evaluate the economy. NAICS was developed jointly by the
United States, Canada, and Mexico to provide new comparability in statistics about
business activity across North America. The U.S. Census Bureau conducts and pre-
pares Economic Census profiles of American business every 5 years, from the national
to the local level. At the time of the study, data for 2002 were available. The U.S.
Census Bureau sent 2007 Economic Census forms to more than 4 million businesses
in December 2007, asking for information about business activity during calendar year
2007. The forms were due back in February 2008. Follow-up is currently underway
with businesses from which forms have not been received. Results will be published

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